New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-08-07

miral Hewitts first aud strongest line of Defence
defeated the second, sailed triumphantly into the
German Ocean, appeared in the Thames and had
London az his mercy. Then he blundered'
Two courses were open to him. he
might. supposing the land defences
to be unready. as they generally
are in England, have covered his rear with q
double line of torpedoes protected by part OF his
force, aud steamed with the rest up the river and
imposed any terms he liked on London, or he might
have quilted the Thames after destroying what
came in his way. sailed joyfully up
the coast and captured and burnt towns
and shipping. He did neither but tarried
at anchorage till Admiral Hewitt. hearing what
had happened, came after him mt speed with his
whole feet and blockaded and forced him to sur
render to an overwhelming force So the ultimate
victory is considered to rest with Admiral Hewitt
Naval experts regard these performances as ex-
tremely important The whole question of coast
and channel defence has to be Ieconsldered.
The issue between the directors and the engineers
of the Midland Railway Company is clearly put by
the engineers themselves. Heretofore they have
been paid by the week. The company now pro-
poses to pay by the job. The engineers reply that
they are always at the company's call; restricted
as to residence, forbidden to leave
home OF engage in any other Occupa-
to the company's service. They therefore think
themselves entitled to a weeks wages for weeks
service. Mr.. Thompson, the chairman, publishes
long letter in to-day's papers, the point Of which
is that no thinks a change necessary for the disci-
pline and efficiency of the service. This seems to
imply that the service for which he is responsible
has heretofore been undscpned and inefficient.
What he means is to get the men more completely
into the power of the officials.
Whatever the merits of the case may be- the d.
recors are thought havo shown little considera-
tion either for the men, to whom they gave short
notice, for the public. The engineers and fire
men have struck rather than submit Accounts
differ as to the extent of the strike but the ffegbt
traffic of the whole Midland system Is stopped or
greatly delayed and passenger trains everywhere
arrive late The public s disposed to hold the di-
rectors responsible rather than the men, who offered
TO compromise and tried to postpone the dispute.
The Midland is one of the most important railroads
In England. The directors are thought to be ag-
gressors toward the engineers but bound, in any
case, not to disorganize traffic over large part OF
the kingdom in trying to reorganize the company's
service.
Mr. Robert Louis Stevenson is, says The AtbenGum,
on the eve of journey TO Colorado where lie pro-
poses to remain some time He is preparing for the
press q volume of Memories and Portraits. largely
autobiographical but consisting chiefly of papers
before printed. This and a volume of verse,
Scotch and English, will be published early next
autumn.
Mr.. Depew, who yesterday afternoon received
long visit from Lord Woseey, drove later to Hamp-
stead and dined at Heath House with Sir Algernon
and Lady Borthwick. Heath House, which over
looks Hampstead Heath and the country on one
side and London the other is one of the largest.
old and ,,,fa fnvCn
1t has lately into Sir Agernon
Borth wicks possession. The dinner party included
Lady Dorothy NeviI Lord WOlseley and SIR
Drummond Wolff Mr. Dapew goes to-day TO
Mentmore and stays with Lord Rosebery till Mon
day.
Mr. Blaine left Kilgraston Thursday for Ire
land for visit TO last week or more. G.w.s.